Quick Info
Tour Dates:  October 28-November 3, 2022
Hotel Location:  Patzcuaro, Michoacan  (Not Included)
Group Size:
Art Workshops:  6 Max
Tour Options:  12 Max
Cooking Class:  10 Max
Vigil & Noche de Muertos:  24 Max
We will have separate vehicles for smaller groups, plus 4 guides to answer questions and assist during Noche de Muertos


 

Price:  $30,000 MXN Per Person + Day Options
Includes:  Taxes, Transport for group activities & tours, private boat ride, select meals, and more!
Excludes:  Day Tour Options are priced, based on costs.
Hotels are not included - please contact us for assistance.
For approximate USD, divide by 20 ($1500).  For approximate CAD, divide by 15 ($2000).

INTRODUCTION

In November 2003, UNESCO acknowledged Dia de Muertos as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.  With a unique perspective and approach to death, Dia de Muertos is a mysterious and often misunderstood observation that is rooted in the indigenous practice of ancestor worship.  Observing this rich and mysterious tradition is a life-changing and touching experience.

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Join us for a fun and unique celebration that offers you options that best fit your interests.  In the past, our tours have been a "one size fits all," but due to the increase of tourism during Muertos, we have carefully planned excursions and experiences that will introduce you to intimate spaces with little to no crowds, and a hands-on invitation to spend time with local artisans and fellow travelers.  Enjoy ample free time to process all that you are experiencing, while meandering through the fantastic art market on Plaza Grande, in Patzcuaro.  This is a unique experience that has something for everyone!

HOW THIS TOUR WORKS

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We have three days of optional excursions and activities for you to choose from.  We ask you to look through these options, and let us know what your top 4 choices are.  Beyond these options, we have listed a day-by-day itinerary below, that outlines all of our shared dinner parties and group activities.

We will have different transport vans & guides, so once we know what activities you are most interested in, we will organize everyone based on your tour choices.

Each tour option is priced differently, based on costs.  These are additional to the general price you pay for the rest of our tour.  We ask you to rate tours from 1-4, in case one of your choices is already full.

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PLEASE CHOOSE 4 ACTIVITIES OR TOURS FROM THE LIST OF OPTIONS BELOW

TOURS & WORKSHOP
OPTIONS

 WORKSHOP PRICE:  $1200 MXN

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• Price Includes return transportation by taxi, to Briseida's studio.

• 2 Glasses of Wine included (Your choice of White, Rose or Red)

• Includes canvas, supplies and instruction

• Charcuterie picnic lunch included

If you do not drink wine, please let us know what you would like

PAINT WITH WINE

WORKSHOP

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Though the paintings featured here are from our Fiesta for Frida event, Briseida Zepeda is offering an acrylic on canvas class, to teach guests to paint a Catrina or Dia de Muertos themed piece.  One could certainly paint Frida as a Catrina, a self-portrait, a cemetery scene with marigolds, or create something from the imagination.  This is a truly fun and creative way to spend the day - and you get to take your masterpiece home as a reminder of this wonderful tour.

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Photo's by Axel Javier Sulzbacher

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 WORKSHOP PRICE:  $1400 MXN

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• Price Includes return transportation from Patzcuaro to San Jeronimo Parenchecuaro

• Cooking class with Cocinera Tradicional

• Lunch  

• Mezcal Tasting in Oponguio

COOK WITH A CERTIFIED COCINERA TRADICIONAL

Spend the morning and early afternoon cooking with a traditional P'urepecha cook, then enjoy the feast! Return along the quiet side of the lake, to visit Hacienda Oponguio for a mezcal tasting with fantastic views overlooking Lake Patzcuaro.  (Mezcal tasting is included in the price)

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Photo by Axel Javier Sulzbacher

 TOUR PRICE:  $600 MXN

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• Price Includes return transportation by taxi from Patzcuaro to the boat docks.

• Return Boat fare incuded

• Lunch included 

VISIT THE LEGENDARY

ISLAND OF JANITZIO

Though a tourist haven, this island is famous due to their Dia de Muertos celebrations.  We do not visit Janitzio during Noche de Muertos, as the crowds are unbearable and distract from the traditional observations surrounding Noche de Muertos.  Our day tour starts in the morning, and ends around 1 PM.  Guests will return to Patzcuaro for lunch in the local Plaza Chica Mercado and an afternoon of free time.  We will use taxis to get to the boat docks. 

 WORKSHOP PRICE:  $600 MXN

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• Price Includes return transportation from Patzcuaro to Santa Ana Chapitiro.

• All projects are priced separately, as they range from $200+ MXN each, depending on the piece.  

• Lunch included 

Please Note:  The images were taken at an art fair, not the artists home where your workshop will be.

MANIFEST MIRACLES 

WITH IVAN MEJIA

Manifest your own miracles in the village of Santa Ana Chapitiro.  The artists will have pre-carved wooden hearts, crosses and other figures for you to choose from.  Spend the morning painting your piece, then covering them with metal charms known as "milagros," or "miracles."  Before returning to Patzcuaro, you will have the chance to visit the Church of Santa Muerte, which is a quirky and controversial (currently ex-communicated) faction of the Roman Catholic Church.  

 TOUR PRICE:  $1000 MXN

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• Price Includes return transportation from Patzcuaro to Santa Clara del Cobre and Capula.

• Lunch included 

SANTA CLARA DEL COBRE

& CAPULA

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Learn how copper is forged in fire.  Enjoy browsing the galleries, and have lunch in one of the local restaurants. 

Your next stop is at the mystical estate of Maestro Juan Torres, who is a prolific painter, but also the first artisan to create Catrina's from clay.  Enjoy the rest of the afternoon in the Capula Catrina Festival handicraft market.

 WORKSHOP PRICE:  $1200 MXN

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• Price Includes return transportation from Patzcuaro to Santa Clara del Cobre

• Project, supplies, tools etc are all included in the price.

• Lunch included 

FORGED IN FIRE

POUNDED BY HAND

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Travel to the Pueblo Magico of Santa Clara del Cobre to participate in a fascinating workshop with Sergio Valezquez and Napoleon Perez.

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You will have the chance to work in a traditional workshop with two maestros who will guide you through the process of crafting your own bracelet or small bowl.

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After your workshop, have lunch in one of the local restaurants, and enjoy browsing through the gorgeous galleries.

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Photo by Axel Javier Sulzbacher

 TOUR PRICE:  $1200 MXN

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• Price Includes return transportation from Patzcuaro to Etucuaro Madero

• Mezcal Tasting included

• Includes visit to agave fields to see various stages and learn about different agaves, their growth period, yield, etc.

• Lunch included

• ATV / Ziplines are NOT included

LA RUTA DEL

MEZCAL

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Visit the town of Etucuaro Madero, which is the heart of our state's La Ruta del Mezcal.  For Mezcal efficionados, this is a wonderful chance to taste different mezcal from the tierra of Michoacan, at different distilleries, and to learn about our local agaves and harvest.

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If you are interested in ziplines or ATV rides, please contact us ahead of time, so we can get you a price quote.

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 WORKSHOP PRICE:  $1500 MXN

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• Price Includes return transportation from Patzcuaro to Capula

• Project and supplies included

• Includes the handicraft market (Annual Catrina Festival) and visit to the estate of Juan Torres

• Lunch included

Please Note:  Photos were taken at an art fair in Patzcuaro, not in the artists workshop, where you will be.

BRINGING CATRINA TO LIFE

IN CAPULA

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This morning you will depart for the cute and mural-painted town of Capula for a workshop with Adriana and Miguel.

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Select a blank, pre-molded Catrina, and spend the day with these wonderful artists, painting your piece.

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After your workshop is complete, enjoy lunch in the market, browse through the handicrafts, and visit the enchanting estate of Maestro Juan Torres to see his collection of paintings and fine Catrina sculptures.

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TOUR ITINERARY
SHARED EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

TOUR DETAILS

The following list outlines our full itinerary for the duration of our exploration during Dia de Muertos 2022.

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We will incorporate your tour and workshop choices into the first 3 days of this schedule.

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The evening activities and last two days pertain to our entire group for this year's tour.  The maximum number of guests who are welcome for our Noche de Muertos tour on Nov 1 is 24, as we need space on the boat for our guides.

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Though 24 may seem like a large number for some of you, we will be in quiet areas for the duration of our Noche de Muertos tour, whereas other tour companies will have 40-80 per group.  The biggest reason for inviting 24 guests for our boat ride, is due to the cost of hiring a private boat on Noche de Muertos, as it is the busiest night of the year here.  Rather than battling massive crowds and long waits, we have the privilege of our own boat and pilots, which also allows us to offer a few sweet surprises along the way!

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We promise - our tour is the most unique and special in the land!

DAY ONE:  BIENVENIDOS

Hotel Location:  Patzcuaro, Michoacan

Date:  Friday October 28, 2022

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BIENVENIDOS A PATZCUARO!  Enjoy seeing the preparations underway, as you roll into town!

Tonight we meet in Patzcuaro for dinner at 6 PM (Restaurant TBA) We will make introductions, discuss our itinerary, answer any questions you have and enjoy an early night.

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INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS

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Dinner included - Drinks and Drink Tips Separate

Transportation to and from Restaurant Separate

DAY TWO:  LA FIESTA DE LAS CATRINAS MASQUERADE

Hotel Location:  Patzcuaro, Michoacan

Date:  Saturday October 29, 2022

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AM: Your tour option for this day will depart at 9:00 AM, returning by 4:00 PM so you have time to rest before our Catrina Party begins.

PM:  Our dinner party will begin at 6 PM, with a welcome beverage and an appointment with a make-up artist, who will transform you into a Catrina.  Our dinner party will include a fantastic 5 course tasting menu, and live entertainment, along with 3 handmade, locally sourced door prizes for the lucky winners.  Last call is at 10 PM, for those who are enjoying the fun! 

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INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS

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Dinner - Drinks + Drink Tips Separate

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Face Paint included

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Taxi to and from Restaurant Separate at approximately $50 each way (per stop)

DAY THREE:  UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF DIA DE MUERTOS

Hotel Location:  Patzcuaro, Michoacan

Date:  Sunday October 30, 2022

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AM: Your tour option for this day will depart at 9:00 AM, returning no later than 4:00 PM so you have time to rest before our Altar Party begins.

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PM:  This evening, we will meet at Bistro Monarca Restaurant by 6 PM for our altar party and fascinating lecture by Jaime Hernandez, about the historical origins and symbolism behind Dia de Muertos, so you will understand this tradition before we embark on our pilgrimage to the vigils and cemetery observations.

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INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS

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Dinner & Lecture Included - Drinks & Drink Tips are Separate

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Taxi to and from Restaurant is separate at approximately $60 MXN (per stop)

​DAY FOUR:  VIGIL DEL ANGELLITOS

Hotel Location:  Patzcuaro, Michoacan

Date:  Monday October 31, 2022

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AM: Your tour option for this day will depart at 9:00 AM, returning no later than 4:00 PM so you have time to rest before we depart for the Night Vigil. 

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PM:  This evening, we will meet after dinner, departing Patzcuaro at 8 PM for a small village with a very special and unique vigil, which is held for the souls of the innocents.  We ask guests to bring around $100 pesos each, to purchase fruits, flowers and candles for our hosts, during this touching observation.  We will return to Patzcuaro around midnight.

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INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS

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Transportation to and from Vigil is included.

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You may require a taxi to your hotel upon return.  Taxis cost no more than $50 MXN per stop.

DAY FIVE:  PILGRIMAGE TO NOCHE DE MUERTOS

Hotel Location:  Patzcuaro, Michoacan

Date:  Tuesday November 1, 2022

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We will depart Patzcuaro at 11 AM for the Pueblo Magico of Tzintuntzan to witness the beginnings of this incredible celebration.  Explore the archaeological site, visit the convent and museum, and then head for the cemetery to witness a procession of offrendas being delivered by the families of those who are being honoured.  This is a loud and happy party that can also get emotional at times, so be prepared to experience something completely unforgettable and life-changing.  We will return to Patzcuaro around 3 PM to rest.

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At 8 PM we will depart Patzcuaro for a most enchanting and unforgettable night which includes dinner with an indigenous family, small and intimate vigils in lesser-visited villages, and a private boat ride on Lake Patzcuaro with a few special surprises!  We do not announce our route for this part of our tour, as we work hard to keep it a secret!  We can tell you that our route is different from that of the main tour companies, and we will intersect with small crowds at only one location.

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INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS

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Dinner is Included

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Transportation around the lake included

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Private boat ride on the lake included

CONSIDERATIONS DURING OUR

NOCHE DE MUERTOS EXPERIENCE

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Please consider a donation:  We will be hosted in one particular remote community where the locals put on a special event for us.  Please consider bringing a donation for their efforts.  The money donated will be used for community meals, and will be very much appreciated.  Suggested donation is $100 Pesos per person, though you are certainly welcome to offer more, depending on how much you enjoy this experience.  

Trick or Treat:  Local children now celebrate the tradition of trick-or-treat, and will ask for money or candies.  We realize some guests find this an appalling affront to the tradition of Dia de Muertos; however, their parents and families allow this - and culture is not static.  We are here to observe new traditions, which is as exciting for us, as getting candies is for the young children.  If you choose to carry pesos for the children, we can get 1 peso coins, as this is sufficient per child!  If you would like to hand out candies, please let us know and we can recommend a store.

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Catrina Face:  Since the release of Pixar's Coco, guests have been painting their faces before heading out to the cemeteries.  If you have your face painted during the day, we ask you to remove face paint before boarding the van.  Though you will see a lot of nationals and tourists in Catrina-face on the night of Muertos, Catrina is not traditional among the local indigenous peoples, and could come across as very offensive.  It is one thing for a culture to evolve on its own, and another for outsiders to force influence on such changes.  You will see some indigenous children with face paint, but so far, this is not customary among teenagers, adults or elders.  We organize our Catrina Party so guests can enjoy the fun of a masquerade, without trampling indigenous traditions or causing unnecessary offence.

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For your own comfort:  Weather can be inclement at this time of year, so please be prepared for rainy skies.  An umbrella is highly recommended, along with rain gear and a pair of sturdy boots.  Expect the cemeteries to be very slippery if it rains, a there will be a lot of mud.  Some light snacks and water bottle are nice to have.  As we will be on a boat for the latter part of the morning, we suggest leaving a small blanket/warm jacket and change of socks on the bus, for the ride back to Patzcuaro. 

DAY SIX:  SECOND BREAKFAST & A DAY OF REST

Hotel Location:  Patzcuaro, Michoacan

Date:  Wednesday November 2, 2022

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After such a long day and early morning, we have scheduled brunch to begin at 11:30 AM this morning!  For those who rise early, regardless of getting to bed so late, this could be your second breakfast!  Whatever the case, we are scheduled for a lovely brunch with Italian coffee, Caesars and Mimosas on the menu, for those who wish to celebrate.  Our Second Breakfast Brunch is our last group gathering, so guests may discuss all you've seen, and have one last chance to visit with new friends you've made along the way.  We encourage you to spend the day relaxing and processing your Dia de Muertos experience, and enjoying an early night for your departure the following day.

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Please Note:  Some guests have departed after Brunch - opting to leave at around 2 PM for home nearby, or next destination.

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INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS

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Breakfast included - Drinks + Drink Tips separate

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Transportation to and from the restaurant is not included

DAY SEVEN:  DAY OF THE DEARLY DEPARTING

Hotel Location:  N/A

Date:  Thursday November 3, 2022

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This morning, depart for your next destination or home.  We can assist you with private drivers, or information about the bus exchanges.  If your group is interested in Mexico City, we offer a 3 day tour to CDMX, which is especially attractive for those who are planning to fly home through Mexico City International Airport.  Please contact us for more information.​